Background

1,4-Butanediol is a chemical. It's used as a source of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a recreational drug with euphoric and sedative effects.

1,4-Butanediol is converted to GHB in the body. GHB slows down the brain, which can cause loss of consciousness along with dangerous slowing of breathing and other vital functions.

People use 1,4-Butanediol for muscle strength, obesity, insomnia, and other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use. It is also unsafe.

Don't confuse 1,4-butanediol with GHB or Gamma Butyrolactone (GBL). These are not the same.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: 1,4-Butanediol is unsafe. It has been linked with very serious side effects, including trouble breathing, tremors, hallucinations, and death.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: 1,4-Butanediol is unsafe. Don't use it.

Slow heart rate (bradycardia): Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a chemical that is formed when the body breaks down 1,4-butanediol. GHB can slow the heart and may make bradycardia worse in people who have this condition.

Epilepsy: GHB is a chemical that is formed when the body breaks down 1,4-butanediol. GHB can cause seizures and might make epilepsy worse.

Surgery: 1,4-Butanediol can slow down the central nervous system (CNS). Anesthesia and some other medications used during surgery have the same effect. Using 1,4-butanediol along with these other medications might slow down the CNS too much. Stop using 1,4-butanediol at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

A rare disorder called succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency: People with this condition are at a greater risk for serious adverse reactions from 1,4-butanediol. Do not use 1,4-butanediol if you have this condition.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of 1,4-Butanediol might be. 1,4-Butanediol is also unsafe. Speak with your healthcare provider before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Alcohol (Ethanol)

Interaction Rating=Major Do not take this combination.

Alcohol can cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Taking 1,4-butanediol along with alcohol increases the sleepiness and drowsiness caused by alcohol. Do not take 1,4-butanediol if you have been drinking.

Amphetamines

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Amphetamines are drugs that can speed up your nervous system. 1,4-Butanediol is changed in the body to gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). GHB can slow down your nervous system. Taking 1,4-butanediol along with amphetamines can lead to serious side effects.

Divalproex sodium (Depakote)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

1,4-Butanediol is changed in the body to GHB. Taking divalproex sodium at the same time as 1,4-butanediol might decrease how quickly the body gets rid of GHB. This could cause serious side effects.

Medications for pain (Narcotic drugs)

Interaction Rating=Major Do not take this combination.

Some medications for pain can cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Taking 1,4-butanediol along with some medications for pain increases the sleepiness and drowsiness caused by these medicationss. Do not take 1,4-butanediol if you are taking medications for pain.

Medications used to prevent seizures (Anticonvulsants)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

1,4-Butanediol may increase the risk of seizures. Taking 1,4-Butanediol may decrease the effects of medications used to prevent seizures and increase the risk of seizures.

Naloxone (Narcan)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

1,4-Butanediol is changed by the body to another chemical called GHB. GHB can affect the brain. Taking naloxone along with 1,4-butanediol might decrease the effects of 1,4-butanediol and GHB on the brain.

Ritonavir (Norvir)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Ritonavir might decrease how quickly the body gets rid of 1,4-butanediol. This could cause serious side effects.

Saquinavir (Fortovase, Invirase)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Saquinavir might decrease how fast the body gets rid of 1,4-butanediol. This could cause serious side effects.

Sedative medications (CNS depressants)

Interaction Rating=Major Do not take this combination.

1,4-Butanediol might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking 1,4-Butanediol with sedative medications can cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.

Topiramate (Topamax)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

1,4-Butanediol is changed in the body to GHB. Taking topiramate at the same time as 1,4-butanediol might decrease how quickly the body gets rid of GHB. This could cause serious side effects.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Herbs and supplements with sedative properties: 1,4-Butanediol might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking it along with other supplements with similar effects might cause too much sleepiness and/or slowed breathing in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include hops, kava, L-tryptophan, melatonin, and valerian.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.